Nasal Tumors

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Nasal tumors, though rare, may be benign or malignant and vary in location and size. A nasal tumor may be the cause of one-sided nasal obstruction, bleeding and loss of smell.

Pituitary adenoma and inverting papilloma are the most common type of benign tumors that can be removed endoscopically through the nose. Malignant tumors in the nose include esthesioneuroblastoma (olfactory neuroblastoma), squamous cell carcinoma, lymphoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, juvenile angiofibroma and mucosal melanoma. These tumors may be approached endoscopically through the nasal passageway. Intracranial tumors such as meningiomas, chordomas, plasmocytomas, craniopharyngiomas can be addressed endoscopically, as well. Extended endoscopic approaches can be also used for drainage of the petrous apex granulomas.

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How are Nasal Tumors Treated?

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In many cases, both benign and cancerous tumors can be removed entirely through the nostrils with the use of an endoscope. For some tumors, only an ENT surgeon is involved. For other tumors, and ENT surgeon and a neurosurgeon may be involved. In several instances, both the ENT surgeon and the neurosurgeon work side-by-side through the nostrils to remove the tumor, even parts of the tumor that are close to the brain or involving the lining of the brain. In some instances, brain tumor that do not enter the sinuses (such as pituitary tumors, craniopharyngiomas or olfactory groove meningiomas) may be removed entirely through the nostrils without incisions on the face or on the scalp.

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